Go Back
–+ servings
mongolian beef on a white serving platter.
Print Recipe Add to Collection
4.63 from 100 votes

Mongolian Beef

This Mongolian Beef is a popular restaurant favorite. It's so simple to make and is even better than the original! Loaded with Asian flavors and ready in a flash, this recipe features tender pieces of beef coated in a sweet garlic soy sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: copycat mongolian beef, mongolian beef, pf chang's mongolian beef
Servings: 8
Calories: 458kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pound flank steak
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup vegetable oil

For sauce

  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup water

Optional Garnish

  • 2 green onions chopped
  • sesame seeds
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare the beef: Slice the steak into small thin pieces against the grain. In a large ziploc bag add the cornstarch and add the beef pieces. Close the ziploc bag and shake really well. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Make the sauce: In a small sauce pan add the 2 tbsp of vegetable oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and water. Stir and cook over medium heat until sauce thickens. It took me about 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickened and reduces by about half. Set aside.
  • Fry the beef: In a non stick skillet heat the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add a few pieces of beef and cook until browned on both sides. The beef will cook quick, about 2 minutes. You will have to do this in batches, so the beef doesn't stick together, it took me 3 batches to finish all the beef. Add more oil, between batches, if needed. Remove beef from skillet to a bowl and discard any leftover oil from the skillet.
  • Toss the beef with sauce: Return all the beef to skillet and pour all the sauce sauce over it. Toss everything together well and cook for 2 more minutes, just until the beef heats back up.
  • Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and/or toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice.

Video

Notes

  1. To easily slice the flank steak, place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes before slicing. This will make it so much easier to slice it as thinly as possible. Always slice the beef against the grain.
  2. Make sure to toss the beef with cornstarch before cooking and let it sit for 5 minutes before searing. This is known as velveting and you’ll end up with very tender meat. Do not use flour, the results will not be the same.
  3. For even more tender beef, you can marinate the beef after slicing in some baking soda for a few minutes. Rinse and continue with the recipe as instructed.
  4. Don't overcrowd the beef when frying. Do it in 2 or 3 batches and add more oil if needed in between batches.
  5. This Mongolian beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze in single portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven straight from the freezer.
  6. Originally shared April 2014.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1132mg | Potassium: 495mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3mg